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Outcome of Case to Determine Future of Immigration Relief for Millions

Causa applauds this weekâ€™s decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to hear Texas v. United States, the lawsuit that challenges the constitutionality of President Obamaâ€™s Executive Actions on immigration that created the expanded DACA and DAPA programs. Announced by President Obama in November of 2014, these programs would allow millions of undocumented individuals to remain in the United States without fear of deportation and apply for a temporary work permit. Because of the lawsuit, DAPA (Deferred Action for Parents of Americans) and expanded DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) have been on hold since their inception. â€œWe are thrilled that the Court decided to hear Texas v. U.S., because it means that thereâ€™s a real possibility that expanded DACA and DAPA will become available to qualified applicants later this year,â€ said Andrea Miller, Causa Executive Director. â€œThese programs would improve the lives of over five million people nationwide â€“ nearly 60,000 Oregonians, and 13,000 Multnomah County residents alone â€“ by allowing them to continue building their lives and contributing to their communities without living in fear and uncertainty. Todayâ€™s decision brings us one step closer to providing protections that keep families together and strengthen our communities, and we will continue to fight for administrative relief so that it becomes a reality for immigrant families.â€ Now that the Court has decided to hear Texas v. U.S., DAPA and expanded DACA could become available to qualified applicants later this year. However, because the programs remain currently on hold until a Supreme Court Decision is made in June, Causa is advising families of steps they can take to prepare such as: avoiding fraudulent service providers; obtaining screenings from qualified legal service providers to check eligibility for DACA and other immigration relief options; applying for citizenship if eligible; and attending know your rights workshops. More information can be found by visiting www.oregonimmigrationresource.org To learn more about this topic, and local issues related to immigration, Causa is holding our annual community event, Immigrant Action Day on Saturday, February 13 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at Chemeketa Community College in Salem. For more information call Causaâ€™s office at 503-409-2473. Causa is Oregonâ€™s Latino Immigrant Rights Organization. Learn more about Causa by visiting www.causaoregon.org